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8.01.2013

One Man, One Woman...?

Homosexuality has become a norm in today’s culture and society. For a lot of people, it’s been a recent movement, but actually, it’s been around since Bible times. And it was clear in the Old Testament, and very clear in the New Testament, that practicing homosexuality is wrong. It’s a sin. And no, I’m not the one who’s saying that. God did.

A few OT verses that talk about homosexuality are in Leviticus (18:22, 20:13), but let’s look at the NT portions of Scripture.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, it says, ‘Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals...will inherit the kingdom of God.’

And in 1 Timothy 1, it talks about homosexuality (among other practices) being ungodly, sinful, unholy and profane. So basically, it’s wrong. And I certainly believe it is. It’s not natural, not right and it kills the Biblical view of marriage. And if you’re a Christian, it’s certainly not okay.

Marriage was designed for one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). When God first created Eve, He brought her to Adam - not to another woman. ‘Gay marriage’ isn’t even a real marriage. Marriage is between one man, one woman - no exceptions. God created a man and a woman’s body differently for one another. I don’t care if two people of the same sex ‘fell in love’. Marriage is not meant for two people of same sex.

‘For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.’

- Romans 1:26-27

But what if a person is born gay, Raquel?

Uh, excuse me? God is the Creator, right? Would He create something He hates? Homosexuality is an abomination in His eyes. Saying He would make someone male with a female ‘instinct’ who’s attracted to the same sex (or vice versa) is going against His whole Being and Who He is.

What if a Christian is gay?

I don’t believe, for one minute that a professing Christian can be ‘gay’ and willingly practice it. I’ve had some people accuse me saying, ‘Well if you’re saying a gay person can’t be a Christian, then how would you defend you living in the sexual sin that you talked about in your testimony?’ Yes, I was living in sin. But so do many other Christians. I know Christian men who struggle with porn, or know of women who are married but are having affairs. That doesn’t automatically make them a non-believer. Christians aren’t perfect. We sin. But it’s when a person is willfully indulging in a sin (with no intention of getting out of it), that the validity of their Christian profession can - and should be! - considered. Homosexuality is a sin. But it’s not greater than any other sin. We are all sinners in need of God’s grace, including me. No one is a better Christian or a bigger sinner. And there is no sin that God can’t forgive.

‘But immorality and any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.’

- Ephesians 5:3-5

Do you hate gay people?

If you are ‘gay’, I won’t hate you. I’ll talk to you. I’ll love you like I’m called (as a Christian) to love people. I have a couple acquaintances who are ‘gay’. We get along great! (And honestly, all the homosexuals that I’ve ever met are actually super nice.)

I’m not writing this to ‘judge’ you or make you feel like you’re being ‘preached at’. But if you claim to be a Christian, I will tell you that you are in sin. Don’t feel that you need to continue living this way. God won’t turn you away if you come to Him, asking for forgiveness.

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‘For you have been bought with a price. Therefore, glory God in your body.’

- 1 Corinthians 6:20

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"Marriage was defined by God a long time ago. Marriage is almost as old as dirt, and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve - one man, one woman for life till death do you part. So I would never attempt to try to redefine marriage. And I don't think anyone else should either. So do I support the idea of gay marriage? No, I don't."

- Kirk Cameron

17 comments:

Loved your post Raquel and I completely agree with you! thank you for posting on this and sharing your views. Marriage has truly changed these days and it is good to see that someone out there still believes what is just and true!!

Thank you for this, Raquel. A couple weeks ago I went to a Christian summer camp, and two of the girls said they believed in gay rights. I was thinking "How can you believe in this if you're a Christian?" I'm so glad to see someone who agrees with me.

Hate the crime not the criminal is the way I like to put it! So many people say Christians hate gay people because we are against homosexuality but that's so wrong!! We hate the sin but we don't hate the sinner!

I don't understand why Christians have a special hate for homosexuality.

The bible also said you shouldn't get divorced, eat shrimp and pork. Yet homosexuality gets the special hate. Is it because of the gay rights movement? Do you tell divorced people they can't be professed Christians?

Also I know you are homeschooled and probably didn't get a great scientific education but there's lots of evidence that being gay is an inborn trait.

Great post, Raquel! So true. Another something to consider: The ultimate example of marriage we are given in scripture is the relationship of Christ to His bride, the church. Someday we (Christians) will be united with Christ, and dwell together for all eternity. Truly an amazing picture!

MsJess - I never said anything about 'hating' gay people. In fact, I said (at the end of this post) that I will love them, I will still talk to them, but I will hate the sing they're living in. The Bible actually has TWO reasons that a couple MAY get a divorce - though, if by all means possible - they should work at keeping their marriage. And not eating pork was a Jewish tradition. It doesn't apply to us, who are under the New Covenant. I'd advise you not to bash on Christians if you don't know the Bible. And even then, we can still defend (or should be able to!) what we believe. And yes, haha I was homeschooled. But believe me, the Bible is the only science book I need, when it comes to homosexuals. and I know for a fact, that it's not natural.

I totally understand your view and completely respect it- 99% of the people I know and love believe in one man one woman marriages.

But. There has to be a separation between church and state. They cannot rule together. Everybody absolutely has the right to believe and feel whatever they want, but the government can't control what people feel and believe because of the Bible.

This is an issue with the government, not the Bible, or any religion. Every single citizen-man, woman, and child- in the US should have equal rights, to choose who they can love and marry, regardless of their sexuality. Yes, everyone can still have their belief that homosexuality is wrong, but that shouldn't stop somebody from loving another person.

Rachel Hipps - I agree and disagree with you. Yes, the church and state should be separate, but the Bible is above all other laws in the world and if God says 'no', it's not...regardless of what the state says. Take abortion for example. Abortion is the murder of an unborn human being. The state says it's okay. God says murder is wrong. Which should we believe and follow? The same with homosexuality. This world sees a lot of sinful acts as 'good' or 'okay'. But God's authority overrides any - and all - others.

I'm a straight Christian woman who supports gay rights. One of my dearest friends is gay and is one of the sweetest guys I've had the pleasure of knowing. He's caring, kind, and would give you the shirt off his back if he could. Despite this, he's mistreated horribly or at the very least looked down upon by other people, mainly Christians. While he still believes in God, because of the treatment he's received from other Christians he no longer as being a Christian. Which is a shame. How can we profess our love for Christ when we clearly can't look past our own flaws and imperfections and mistreat others?

Back on topic. Why do I support gay rights you may ask? Equality mainly. I'll fall in love with a man and get married. Why can't my friend? I like to treat this as a government issue and I support it as a government issue not as a religious issue. I see no reason why a homosexual couple can't go to a courthouse and get married or if they want have a wedding. Not all weddings are Christian. Also I believe that a homosexual couple should have the same treatment as a heterosexual couple when it comes to insurance, healthcare, and things of that nature. Simply put, separation of church and state.

Ok so when it comes to Christians who are homosexual, (yes, it does exist I'll get to that later) that's where it can get tricky. Yes, The Bible says homosexuality is wrong, so I have to agree with that. But, divorce is against the Bible, so is lying, so is hating, so is judging and those aren't put under the microscope like homosexuality is. Yes I'm gong to admit that I'm sinning by supporting gay rights, but In the long run I'm supporting my friends than are not causing harm.

As far as homosexuality treading on what God intended when it comes to marriage I need to stop you right there. Not all Marriages are Christian. Second as far as I'm concerned there are even worse marriages out there that have "tread" much deeper, like old men marrying young girls in third world countries or taking in multiple wives (most underage). So why obsess on homosexuality? It's not going to be the end of the world and I know it's not going to ruin what your own personal marriage before God.

As for a gay person going against their natural desires. I need to stop you right there as well. I always knew I was straight, never questioned it. The same is said for a gay person. Talk to them you will get the same answer out of most of them. Like I've always known I'm straight. They always knew they were gay Christian or not.

Ok Raquel, please don't think I'm attacking you. But, if you're going to write about this and want to intelligently share the word of God. You have to research this topic thoroughly. Yes that means looking through secular information as well. Also, when expressing your opinions on this, you need to remember that most homosexuals have been mistreated, mainly by Christians, so "preaching" to them will most likely not work and they will most likely distance themselves. I've seen that happen to many of my gay friends and acquaintances.

Feel free to disagree with me. It's not the first time and it won't be the last.

theanimatedmoviesnerd - No, I didn't feel like you were attacking me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

I disagree with a lot you said, but I don't want to start a debate, so I'll just answer your comment and leave it at that. If you have more you'd like to say, feel free to email me.First of all, don't think that I 'don't like gays'. I know two gay people and they are actually super fun and sweet and I like talking with them. As Christians we are called to love, regardless of the other person's shortcomings - just as we wish to be loved, and for people to look past OUR flaws. But when someone is in willful sin and disobedience against God's Word, I would question their salvation. I wouldn't say 'you're not a Christian because you're gay', but I would ask them how their profession of faith can Biblically line up with what a Christian is supposed to be.What you said about 'I like to treat this as a government issue...not as a religious issue' haha You can't pick and choose what to 'treat' as this or that. The Bible is profited for ALL doctrine, reproof and correction. Not just some. And what you said about 'yes, I'm going to admit that I'm sinning by supporting gay rights'. Just wow. So sinning is less important that 'supporting your friends'. Being a Christian doesn't promise that we will have friends. In fact, to be friends with the world is to be at enmity with God. So by supporting something unGodly is basically telling God that you don't care what His Word says.

I commented earlier not realizing I was not signed in, so I apologize if you have to read this twice.

Thank you for responding :) I'd like to continue this conversation over email. There are a few more things that I'd like to clarify. However, I'm having a difficult time finding your email address on your page ( granted it is 2 in the morning over here, it could be in front of my face haha) I'd appreciate it if you sent it to me.

Indeed, furthermore the"perfect laws" are there because they shows God's character. i to often here "they" say "since christ died we dont have to follow the laws, etc. The "law" becomes love and enabling the person to be transformed. I feel there is a difference between change and transform."Love thy Neighbor" becomes a whole lot more clearer than the status quo. Overall we were all made in God's image thats why for believers its easy to "Love thy Neighbor". Some of us forget why we "Love thy Neighbor". It certainly doesnt give us free will to continue to sin...